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Set-piece downfall
By Nigel Biddlecombe
Tuesday 10th April 2007
WEYMOUTH’S inability to defend set-pieces once again
cost them as they crashed to their fourth Nationwide Conference
National defeat in five games at the Kassam Stadium.
Second-placed Oxford were made to work hard for the points
for much of the game but once they netted their second on
78 minutes the visitors capitulated.
Raphael Nade grabbed his fifth of the season for Weymouth
five minutes before half-time to wipe out Chris Zebroski’s
opener before Chris Hargreaves regained the hosts’ lead
with a sublime header.
The Terras lost towering defender Ashley Vickers to a head
injury in the first half and his absence was clearly felt
for United’s next two goals, which saw Marvin Robinson
and Barry Quinn take advantage of some poor marking to nod
past young keeper Nick Jones.
Visiting boss Jason Tindall, whose side have now conceded
16 times in their last four outings, made just one change
to his starting XI dropping James Coutts to the bench and
replacing him with Simon Weatherstone. The former Boston United
man was rested on Saturday when the Terras recorded a 1-1
home draw with Kidderminster Harriers.
Jones continued between the posts in the absence of injured
stopper Jason Matthews and there was no place again for skipper
Trevor Challis due to a hamstring problem.
Former Yeovil Town striker Yemi Odubade, who proved a handful
for Weymouth’s defence throughout, had the first effort
of the match in the opening seconds but Jones comfortably
gathered.
Weatherstone then shot wide at the other end before defender
Tony James produced a well-timed tackle to halt Odubade at
the expense of a corner.
The home side should have taken the lead on 17 minutes when
Michael Corcoran, Odubade and Quinn all combined to set up
Martin Foster but his shot flew off-target.
Stuart Beavon had an effort blocked and Anton Robinson struck
wide for the Terras, who then suffered a blow on 21 minutes
when stand-in captain Vickers got caught with an elbow and
was forced to leave the pitch.
Momentarily reduced to ten men Weymouth conceded just two
minutes later when a corner by Foster found Zebroski who was
left unchallenged to score with a looping header.
Tindall replaced Vickers on 27 minutes and as the half went
on the Terras began to offer more of a threat.
Corcoran was forced to give away a corner with just five minutes
of the half remaining and the visitors took full advantage
by levelling. Danny Phillips dummied Nick Crittenden’s
kick and when Weatherstone’s shot was blocked, Nade was
on hand to fire home the rebound from ten yards.
After the break Jones saved well to deny Odubade before Weymouth
missed a good opportunity on 52 minutes to take the lead.
Tindall’s short free-kick to James was helped on to Nade,
who then found Phillips. The midfielder took aim but his shot
flashed agonisingly wide of the upright.
Jones saved bravely at the feet of Eddie Anaclet ten minutes
later but the game had to be held up for a period after that
while the young keeper received treatment.
When play did resume Beavon almost made his mark. Being cheered
on by several of his former Didcot Town team-mates, the striker
flashed a shot wide after James and Weatherstone had combined.
Crittenden had an effort deflected wide shortly after that
before the home side suddenly found a new lease of life.
Robinson and Foster both squandered good chances but in the
78th minute the hosts regained their lead with a superb header
from Hargreaves, who rose well to power home Gavin Johnson’s
cross.
Just three minutes later Oxford then effectively wrapped up
the result when Robinson nodded home from six yards after
a long throw-in by Matt Day.
Weymouth’s heads had now dropped and on 83 minutes they
conceded a fourth. Johnson delivered a pin-point corner and
Quinn nodded home from close range.
The Terras could not be faulted for their effort but the 292
travelling supporters once again witnessed their defensive
frailties particularly at set- pieces.
Weymouth Reserves travel to Bristol Rovers tonight (7pm) in
the Pontin’s Holidays Wales and West Combination.
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